NORWICH City defender Russell Martin would consider a loan move to Rangers during the second half of the season

But the Ibrox club have so far made no contact with the Carrow Road outfit about taking the Scotland centre half until the end of the 2017/18 campaign.

Martin has only played seven games for Daniel Farke's side in the English Championship this term and last featured back in August.

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The player, who turns 32 tomorrow. has been told he is not be involved going forward and is free to find another club.

He watched Norwich's 2-1 victory over Millwall in the Championship on New Year's Day from the Carrow Road stands.

Graeme Murty knows Martin from the time that he spent at the East Anglia club as a young coach before joining Rangers.

He looks set to be without Bruno Alves, who limped off in the 18th minute of the Old Firm game on Saturday after suffering an injury, for some time.

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The 94 times-capped Portuguese internationalist left Parkhead on crutches after the 0-0 draw and Murty confirmed he was experiencing pain in his calf and ankle.

Alves posted a photograph of himself on social media website Instagram yesterday wearing a leg brace.

The 36-year-old praised the "quality service" he had been receiving from staff at the Hospital Senhor Do Bonfim in his homeland.

The former Porto player has spent two spells out of action, both lasting around a month, with calf and back problems since arriving in Scotland during the summer.

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Rangers fly out to the United States this weekend for warm weather training and it appears unlikely Alves will be with the travelling party.

They will play Brazilian sides Atletico Miniero and Corinthians in the Florida Cup in Orlando.

TimesSport understands that Russell, who has played 29 times for his adopted homeland, would consider a move to Ibrox, but no official approach has yet been made.

Rangers will play their next competitive game against Highland League rivals Fraserburgh in the William Hill Scottish Cup on January 21.